DryWall Contractor Screwed Me

OK - Long story short, I paid some DW hangers to hang my second layer thinking they could do a much better job -- I was wrong. And because I wasn't in the studio babysitting, they made a ton of mistakes, which I won't bother getting into. (I'm sick to my stomach) Anyway, they missed the studs in a ton of places. And they sunk the drywall screws pretty far so they could be mudded over. I'm afraid if I leave the screws, the room isn't going to be as tight as it could be. Also, I'm terrified I'm going to hear rattling screws when I'm mixing or anytime low freq are hitting hard... Should I pull out every screw that missed and fill void with Acoustic Sealant? Should I just leave them and fill the sunken spot with sealant... Anyone? Any suggestions? thank you, andrew

I'm very sorry to hear about your problem, Andrew. :( Might I suggest changing the subject of your post to "Drywall Contractor Screwed Me"? It's true, both literally and figuratively, and it will hopefully help others avoid the same fate. A rhetorical question I have for you is: Did you tell them before they started how critical it is that there be no such "misses"? If so, I'd say there may be an opportunity for you to ask for (which is a nice way of saying demand) a refund, either partially or completely, depending on how bad it is. I don't have an answer to your question, but I'm sure the resident expert(s) do, so I'll get out of their way. Again, my sympathies are with you on this.

ey Sharward, thanks for the tips... The Drywall contractor understood how important it was that the room be air-tight. However, I don't think he understood that missing the studs would undermine everything I've been trying to accomplish... I was very specific about joints and how to use acoustic sealant, and all the other details... It didn't even occur to me that these guys would miss so many times. thanks again for your sympathy:)

So, you have a double layer of rock with screwed up screws; is this a single frame, single frame with RC, staggered stud frame, steel stud frame, double wood stud frame, double steel stud frame, ?? In most cases, removing the missed screws and filling the holes, not with caulk (not as heavy) but with drywall joint compound ("mud") will be best. This will keep the mass of the wall higher, and not leave slightly lighter weight "plugs" here and there in the wall. I've talked to 4 different contractors in my area about using Resilient Channel; all four claimed the stuff "didn't work" - three, when I asked how they installed it, said they put the RC on the existing wallboard on one side and added another layer of wallboard. Duh... The fourth one did this also, but just nailed through the outer layer of sheet rock and through the RC and into the studs. D-D-D-D-D-DUHHHH... Consider yourself lucky; this was a relatively inexpensive "lesson" about contractors - compare to this if you want to feel better - http://www.recording.org/ftopict-22469-kitchen.html Now, don't you feel lucky??!? :roll:

Hi Knightfly:)This is a single frame wall with 2 layers of 5/8" gyps. I guess I need to get to work and pull all those shiners out... what a drag. It could have been worse and it was... I gave these guys detailed instructions and a map of which walls to do first and what kind of gaps to leave at the floor and ceiling and in the corners... Basically told them everything they needed to do in order to complete the job correctly, they scored about 50% The cliche is right, "if you want something done correctly (especially in the world of studios), DIY. Anyway, thank you for the tip. Take care, andrew

Yeah, the more you see NON-acoustics types trying to build effective studio space, the more you appreciate the high prices the pro's charge - I doubt any of the serious design groups allow non-acoustic-trained contractors anywhere NEAR their sites, and are willing to pay accordingly... Steve